Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán Returns to Laredo in 2004 with Majestic Concert

Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán Returns to Laredo with Majestic
Concert

Mexico's legendary Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, revered globally
for its musical sophistication and dynamic rhythms that bring to mind
the most glorious sceneries of Mexico, will return to Laredo in a concert
Saturday, April 24 at 8 p.m. at the Laredo Entertainment Center.

Venerated as the 'best mariachi of the world' by generations since 1897,
Mariachi Vargas is returning to Laredo for the second time to benefit
Texas A&M International University's Fine and Performing Arts scholarships.

Tickets for the Mariachi Vargas concert, $25 and $35 each, will go on
sale Saturday, March 20 at the Laredo Entertainment Center's box office
and at www.ticketmaster.com

Tickets for floor tables seating 10 are also available for $1,000 per
table and will include admission to the 'Meet and Greet' reception, a
social event after the Concert where Mariachi Vargas members will be present.
Tickets for tables are currently available at the TAMIU Office for Institution
Advancement by calling 326-2175.

The Mariachi Vargas Concert became the largest scholarship fundraiser
in TAMIU history when last year, more than 5,000 attended and hailed for
higher education in South Texas. The event is the result of a partnership
that includes as sponsors Sames Motor Company, Ford Motor Company, Ford
Motor Credit, the Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Laredo Entertainment
Center and TAMIU.

Dr. Gilberto Soto, associate professor of music and chair of the Department
of Fine and Performing Arts, said TAMIU is delighted to welcome the maestros
of historic mariachi music to Laredo.

"This is a true opportunity to witness the living tradition that
is mariachi music and at the same time, help our fine and performing arts
students reach their educational dreams," said Dr. Soto, "Taking
what was once considered a form of music better fit for the cantina than
the concert hall, Mariachi Vargas has elevated mariachi music to an art
form that vividly illustrates the vigor, passion, grace and tradition
of the Hispanic culture."

Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán was formed by four visionary musicians
in the late 1800's and has seen several generations of musicians carry
its name. While previously, folklore and songs in Mexico were passed down
from generation to generation orally, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán
changed the traditional way music was handed down when in 1928, Silvestre
Vargas hired a trained musician as musical director.

Mariachi Vargas members are all classically trained and have played
with luminaries such as Pedro Infante, Miguel Aceves Mejía, Lola
Beltrán, and José Alfredo Jiménez. Members have taken
mariachi music around the world and have performed in North, South and
Central America, as well as Europe and Asia. Mariachi Vargas has been
the only mariachi group allowed to perform at the pyramids in Egypt.

They have entertained countless heads of state, kings, ambassadors and
dignitaries and were the first mariachi to perform at the White House.

For further information on the Mariachi Vargas concert, please contact
the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at 326-2180. University
office hours are 8 a.m. -5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests
and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information
Services at pais@tamiu.edu